Journey Through Tanzania’s Untamed West
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime with a private safari through Western Tanzania. This exclusive journey combines the untouched beauty of remote wilderness with unmatched comfort. Begin your journey on the serene shores of Lake Tanganyika, then venture into the misty Mahale Mountains. Track playful chimpanzees through ancient rainforests and glide along secluded bays in a dugout canoe.
Next, head to the vast Katavi Plains for thrilling dawn game drives, where lions, buffalo, and elephants roam freely. End each day with sundowners as the sky lights up in stunning hues, before retreating to intimate, open-sided bush camps, where the only lights are the stars and the distant sounds of hippos.
This sample itinerary spans 13 days and 12 nights and is designed for two guests. It includes accommodation, park fees and taxes, internal flights, transfers and medical evacuation cover, while extra activities, visas and gratuities are not included.
*This is a sample itinerary designed to showcase the highlights and logistics of a premium safari experience.
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha
Arrive in Arusha and be warmly welcomed at the airport. You will be transferred to a carefully selected hotel where you can relax, acclimate, and prepare for the forthcoming adventures on your luxury African safari.
Days 2-5: Katavi National Park
Location and Accommodation
Katavi National Park, one of Tanzania's most remote and untouched parks, offers an exceptional safari experience from Chada Katavi, where comfort meets adventure. Situated in the heart of the park’s woodlands and wetlands, this camp is your gateway to exploring the park’s stunning landscapes, from its vast savannahs to its meandering rivers. With game drives, walking safaris, and fly camping under the African sky, Chada Katavi provides a true immersion in the wilderness.
About Katavi National Park
Katavi is the third-largest national park in Tanzania, covering 4,500 square kilometres of wild landscapes. Its isolation means it's far less visited than other parks, offering an authentic, crowd-free safari experience. The park is known for its extraordinary wildlife, including the world’s largest herds of buffalo, as well as abundant elephants, lions, leopards, and the densest populations of hippos and crocodiles in Tanzania. Katavi’s mix of woodlands, wetlands, and savannah creates a rich habitat for both game and birdlife.
Highlights
- Spot iconic wildlife such as buffalo, elephants, lions, and leopards on thrilling game drives.
- Explore the park’s landscapes on foot with guided walking safaris for a closer connection to nature.
- Sleep under the stars with a unique fly camping experience, fully immersed in the African wilderness.
Days 6-9: Mahale Mountain National Park
Location and Accommodation
Embark on an extraordinary adventure in the heart of Mahale Mountain National Park, where your base is the exclusive Greystoke Mahale camp. Nestled on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, this remote sanctuary offers unparalleled access to the park’s stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife. The camp seamlessly combines luxury with nature, providing you with a perfect blend of comfort and adventure.
About Mahale Mountain National Park
Mahale is one of the most breathtaking and remote parks in Tanzania, renowned for its dense forests, pristine beaches, and exceptional chimpanzee tracking experiences. The park is home to a large population of wild chimpanzees, and its lush environment offers a unique blend of mountain and lake ecosystems. With its remote location, Mahale offers an intimate and exclusive safari experience, away from the typical tourist routes.
Highlights
- Trek through dense forests on a guided forest hike, tracking the park’s famous chimpanzees and experiencing the incredible biodiversity.
- Enjoy a tranquil dawn kayak on the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tanganyika, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
- Unwind with a serene dhow sundowner as you watch the sun set over the lake, with panoramic views of the rugged mountains.
Days 9-12: Ruaha National Park
Location and Accommodation
Delve into the heart of Tanzania’s wild landscapes with a stay at Kigelia Ruaha, nestled in the pristine Ruaha National Park. From here, you'll enjoy an immersive safari experience, where game drives, walking safaris and night drives bring you up close to the park’s rich wildlife. This intimate camp offers an authentic and comfortable base, with a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, allowing you to embrace the untouched wilderness of Ruaha.
About Ruaha National Park
Ruaha is one of Tanzania’s largest and most remarkable parks, known for its stunning variety of wildlife and diverse landscapes. It is home to large populations of elephants, lions, leopards, and rare species such as the African wild dog. With its rugged terrain, vast savannahs, and winding rivers, Ruaha offers an unspoiled safari experience, especially during the dry season, when animals gather around the waterholes, offering exceptional game viewing opportunities.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in exciting game drives, with the chance to spot predators, herds of elephants, and a wealth of birdlife.
- Experience the thrill of nocturnal game drives, capturing the magic of the wild after dark.
- Enjoy a serene and authentic bush experience, far away from the crowds and conventional tourist routes.
Day 13: End of Itinerary
Your journey concludes with check-out from Kigelia Ruaha, followed by a transfer to Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) for your onward flight.
Discover The Itinerary Camps
Experience both luxury and adventure at Tanzania’s top safari camps. Each location offers a thrilling balance of comfort and exploration, giving you a unique view of Tanzania’s rich wildlife and natural beauty.
Ikuka Safari Camp
Ikuka Safari Camp opened in Ruaha National Park in July 2016, the camp has a spectacular location atop the Mwagusi Escarpment in southern Tanzania, it is also owner run and managed.
Chada Katavi
Little has changed at Chada Katavi since the Nomad Tanzania founders arrived 20 years ago. From the air you have to look carefully to spot camp, you'll find your eyes are immediately drawn to such wide open spaces. That's the promise of Katavi, total absorption into the natural world and the place virtually to yourself.
Greystoke Mahale
It's no exaggeration to say there is nowhere in the world like Greystoke Mahale. Greystoke Mahale sits on a pristine, white sandy beach overlooking the turquoise water of Lake Tanganyika, with the forested slopes of the 8000 ft Mahale Mountains rising behind.
Ready for Adventure?
If exploring Tanzania's hidden highlights sounds like your next great adventure, our Western Safari is the perfect choice. At Kusini Safaris, we are dedicated to crafting extraordinary luxury journeys filled with unforgettable moments.
Contact us today to learn more about this remarkable itinerary and let us help you turn your dream safari into reality.
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